Many players struggle with making money in Tropico 6 during the Colonial Era, as access to advanced buildings and industries is limited. However, with the right approach, you can establish a strong economy from the start. This guide will walk you through the best money-making strategies for this early stage of the game.

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Understanding How Money Works in Tropico 6

In Tropico 6, money is made primarily by exporting goods. Production buildings generate raw materials, which can be sold directly or processed into more valuable commodities. These are then transported to the dock by Teamsters and shipped off for profit. While the game explains these mechanics, many players make a common mistake that slows down their economy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbuilding a Variety of Production Buildings
   • Many players build a mix of plantations, ranches, logging camps, and mines, thinking diversification is key. However, this leads to inefficiency as goods pile up and Teamsters struggle to transport them.
2. Not Expanding Teamster Infrastructure
   • Early on, players often forget to build additional Teamster Offices. With too few Teamsters, goods won’t move efficiently, and your economy will stagnate.
3. Not Prioritizing Processing Buildings
   • Simply exporting raw goods like hides and logs is inefficient. Instead, processing these materials into higher-value goods provides a much better return on investment.

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Optimal Strategy for the Colonial Era

Instead of diversifying production too early, focus on one high-value industry and develop it efficiently. Here’s the best way to make money right from the start.

Step 1: Focus on a Single Export Product

The best commodity to start with in the Colonial Era is rum. It provides a high profit margin and requires only one type of raw material: sugar.

• Build 3 Sugar Plantations in high-efficiency areas.
• Increase their budgets to maximize production.
• Hire foreign workers if needed to get them running at full capacity quickly.

Step 2: Construct a Rum Distillery

Once sugar production is running, build a Rum Distillery to process the sugar into rum, which sells for a much higher price than sugar alone.

• Place the distillery near the plantations to reduce travel time for Teamsters.
• Upgrade the Less Sugar Consumption feature for increased efficiency.
• Increase the budget and hire workers to ensure consistent production.

Step 3: Improve Transportation Infrastructure

With a growing industry, it’s crucial to transport goods efficiently. If Teamsters can’t move products fast enough, bottlenecks will form, and your profits will slow down.

• Build an extra Teamster Office near your plantations and distillery.
• Monitor Teamster workload—if you see delays, build another Teamster Office.

Step 4: Monitor Your Dock Exports

Check the dock frequently to see how much sugar and rum are stockpiling.

• Ideally, most of your sugar should be processed into rum before export.
• If too much raw sugar is being shipped, consider adding a second Rum Distillery.

Step 5: Expand with a Second Processed Good

Once you have a steady income, add another processed industry to further increase revenue. A great second option is leather production:

• Build 3 Cattle Ranches to produce hides.
• Construct a Tannery to process hides into leather.
• Leather sells for a much higher price than raw hides, making it a profitable addition to your economy.

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Additional Tips for Success

• Keep Relations with the Crown High – The Crown provides foreign aid, which is crucial early on. Accept missions and complete requests to stay in their favor.
• Always Have a Trade Deal Active – Whenever possible, secure a trade contract for rum or leather to maximize profits.
• Avoid Unnecessary Expenses – Don’t build unnecessary buildings or expand too fast. Stay focused on one industry at a time.
• Defend Your Island – If rebels attack, your economy could collapse. Keep your military strong enough to maintain stability.

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Conclusion

The key to success in the Colonial Era of Tropico 6 is efficiency and specialization. Instead of spreading your resources too thin, focus on one high-value processed good like rum or leather. By maximizing production, optimizing transportation, and ensuring stable exports, you can build a strong economy that will carry you into later eras with financial security.

Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a booming economy even before reaching the World Wars Era!

If you found this guide helpful, leave a comment with your own Colonial Era money-making strategies and subscribe for more Tropico 6 content!